in" and
"Kingsale," were loaded with goods, tools and chemicals necessary for
the working of the projected gold mines. Captain Robert Holmes, who
had been with Prince Rupert in 1652, was given charge of the
expedition; but the goods and necessities were consigned to William
Usticke and two other factors of the company.[6] In December, 1660,
the five vessels set out on their voyage to the Gambia River, where
they arrived in the following March. There Holmes seized the island of
St. Andre, then occupied by a feeble number of the subjects of the
duke of Courland. Since the latter place was protected by a small fort
the English began preparations to make it the seat of their operations
in that region. Not long after they arrived, however, a fire destroyed
the fortification and a large part of the goods which had been brought
from England. Under these circumstances they chose to abandon that
island, and to settle on two others which were better situated for
defense and trade. These they named Charles Island and James Island in
honor of their royal patrons. The latter was by far the most
advantageously situated, and became the main stronghold of the English
in the northern part of Africa during all the history of the African
companies. Holmes probably remained on the Gambia until about the
first of May when he departed with one or two of the ships for
England. In July as much of a cargo as possible was loaded on the
"Amity" which finally arrived in England, after its crew had been
depleted by disease.[7]

Information regarding the success of the mining project of this
expedition is almost totally lacking, but it seems certain that
nothing was done to discover the hoped-for gold mines. The climate
affected the men so adversely, that it is altogether unlikely that
they even attempted to look for the mines. The small cargo carried
back by the various ships, most of which seems to have been on the
"Amity," probably represents the only tangible results of the
expedition. These goods, consisting of elephants' teeth, wax and hides
sold for L1,567.8s.,[8] whereas the outlay for the expedition was
probably between L4,000 and L4,500.[9]

This sum does not include L2,640.8s.8d. expense which was incurred to
send another of the king's ships, the "Blackamoor," to the Gold Coast,
in June, 1661.[10] The "Blackamoor" was followed in April, 1662, by
the "Swallow" which, together with its cargo, cost the Royal
Adventurers L1,l01.2s.ld.[11]